Dry Eye Therapy | Northern Valley Eye Care

Irritating, Uncomfortable Eyes

We use our eyes all day long, but we rarely think of them—unless they’re uncomfortable, and then they’re all we think about.

Dry eye is a chronic, common, and uncomfortable condition, impacting more than 16 million Americans. Not only is it irritating, but it can really put a damper on your daily activities. Dry eyes can decrease your quality of life and hinder productivity.

But relief is available! Book an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your dry eyes. While the condition is rarely serious on its own, it can lead to long-term infections and eye damage down the road. Anytime your eyes are uncomfortable, it’s best to visit us and rule out any more problematic conditions.

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Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms generally occur in both eyes at the same time and can include:

Stinging or burning
Gritty or scratchy feeling
Foreign body sensation
Red or watery eyes
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Eye fatigue
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Discomfort when wearing contacts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book your appointment to find relief today.

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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is exactly what it sounds like—it occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough lubrication to keep them moist and comfortable.

There are two main types of dry eye: aqueous deficiency dry eye and evaporative dry eye. The first—and least common—occurs when the eyes simply don’t produce enough tears. The second occurs when the tears lack the appropriate chemical composition to be effective.

Aqueous Deficiency

Reasons for decreased tear production are varied and may include:

Contact lens wear
Normal aging
Medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants
Medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
Recent laser vision correction surgery

Evaporative Dry Eye

High-quality tears depend on a balanced and effective tear film. The tear film comprises 3 layers:

The mucus layer, which helps spread tears over the surface of the eye.
The water layer, which helps hydrate the eye.
The oil layer, which helps stop moisture from evaporating too quickly

Dry eyes can result from an imbalance in any of these 3 layers.

Both the top and bottom of your eyelids are lined with tiny, oil-producing glands called the meibomian glands. Blockages in the meibomian glands might reduce the amount of oil produced, causing dry eyes.

When evaluating dry eyes, it’s important to examine the meibomian glands carefully. If they are not functioning well, there may be other factors at work, such as lid hygiene or inflammation.